History and Heritage
Founded in 1879 by James Fleming, Aberlour Distillery stands as a testament to Scottish whisky-making tradition. Fleming, a local banker and grain merchant, chose the location at the confluence of the Lour burn and River Spey for its perfect combination of pure spring water and ideal climate conditions.
The original distillery was destroyed by fire in 1898, but was quickly rebuilt under Fleming’s guidance, incorporating the most modern distilling technology of the time. This spirit of combining tradition with innovation remains central to Aberlour’s philosophy today.
Official site: https://www.aberlour.com/en-us/
The Distillery
Location and Natural Resources
Situated in the heart of Speyside, the distillery benefits from several natural advantages:
- Pure spring water from Ben Rinnes mountain, filtered through layers of peat and granite
- Local barley sourced from the fertile Speyside region
- Optimal humidity and temperature conditions for whisky maturation
Production Facilities
The distillery features:
- Four copper pot stills with unique designs that contribute to Aberlour’s distinctive character
- Traditional dunnage warehouses with thick stone walls
- Modern mashing and fermentation equipment
Detailed Product Range
Core Range
- Aberlour 12 Year Old Double Cask Matured
- Maturation: American oak and Sherry casks
- Tasting notes: Sweet and fruity with notes of apple and cinnamon
- ABV: 40%
- Color: Golden amber
- Aberlour 16 Year Old Double Cask Matured
- Maturation: Traditional oak and Sherry casks
- Tasting notes: Rich with notes of plum, raisins, and spices
- ABV: 40%
- Color: Deep golden
- Aberlour 18 Year Old
- Maturation: Select first-fill Sherry butts and American oak
- Tasting notes: Complex with chocolate, orange, and spicy notes
- ABV: 43%
- Color: Deep amber
- A’bunadh
- Maturation: Exclusively in Oloroso Sherry butts
- Cask strength (varies by batch, typically 59-61% ABV)
- Non-chill filtered
- Tasting notes: Intense sherry, dark chocolate, orange, and spices
- Released in small batches, each with unique characteristics
Limited Editions and Special Releases
- Casg Annamh: Triple-cask matured in Oloroso Sherry, American oak, and Spanish oak
- A’bunadh Alba: Matured exclusively in bourbon casks, offering a different perspective on the classic A’bunadh
Production Process in Detail
Malting and Mashing
Aberlour uses specially selected malted barley, ground to exact specifications. The mashing process uses pure spring water at precise temperatures to extract maximum flavors.
Fermentation
Fermentation occurs in traditional washbacks for approximately 48 hours, developing crucial flavor compounds.
Distillation
Double distillation in copper pot stills, with careful monitoring of cut points to ensure consistent quality. The spirit stills are designed to promote copper contact, creating a smoother spirit.
Maturation
The double cask maturation process involves:
- First-fill and refill American oak barrels (ex-bourbon)
- Spanish Oloroso sherry butts
- Careful monitoring of maturation conditions
- Regular sampling to determine optimal maturation time
Visitor Experience
Tour Options
- Standard Tour: Distillery tour with two drams
- Founders Tour: Extended tour with premium tastings
- Cask Experience: Exclusive tasting of cask strength whiskies
Special Features
The visitor center includes:
- Interactive displays on whisky-making
- Historical exhibits about James Fleming
- Tasting room with expert guides
- Exclusive distillery bottlings
Aberlour’s success lies in its perfect balance of tradition and innovation, creating whiskies that are both complex and accessible. The distillery’s commitment to quality, from water source to final bottling, ensures each expression meets the highest standards of Speyside single malt whisky.